Putin addresses Ukraine attacks and welcomes US-China talks

President Putin, 12th St. He held a press conference after the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum.

Evaluating the possibility of resuming negotiations in a tripartite format between Russia, the USA and Ukraine, Putin said that the Ukrainian side stopped the negotiations in Istanbul.

Putin stated that Ukraine carried out attacks on the capital Moscow and election centers with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the elections on September 18-20, and on oil refineries in Russia from June onwards, adding: "They also tried to impose a blockade in the Black Sea. Ukrainians damaged more than 100 ships. Among them, there are ships with both Russian and foreign flags." he said.

Stating that they started to respond harshly to this, Putin said:

"Apparently, the response of the Russian army had serious and devastating consequences for the other side, so much so that they brought up a ceasefire in some areas. One of them is the energy field, the other is the airspace. There is a mutual cessation of attacks in these areas. However, they launched these attacks. Is this a game? They need to feel the impact of the Russian attacks and understand that no provocative actions, escalation of tension will not achieve the result they want. On the contrary, such actions worsen their situation."

Pointing out that it is possible to restart negotiations, Putin said, "Steps towards reconciliation and the offer to restart negotiations are on the table. All these are possible. However, we will thoroughly evaluate how we will respond to what they have done. We will make all decisions in this direction, including the resumption of negotiations, in line with Russia's interests." he said.

"We have no plans for conflict with Europe"

Arguing that European countries deliberately tense the situation, Putin said, "We are not preparing for a conflict with Europe. We do not have such a plan. There is no reason to escalate the situation with Europe." he said.

Vladimir Putin claimed that Europe was using Ukraine as a means of fighting against Russia.

"We welcome negotiations between the USA and China"

Putin made the following evaluations regarding the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the capital Washington:

"We welcome the negotiations between the USA and China. These are the two largest economies in the world. How the problems arising from the illegitimate sanctions imposed by the USA will be solved and what agreements will be reached will affect the entire world economy, including the Russian economy. We have almost no relations with the USA. However, the bilateral trade volume with China is 240 billion dollars. This is a very large figure. Therefore, we welcome any positive agreement between China and the USA."

When asked whether he would attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit to be held in November in Xinjiang, China, President Putin said: "I intend to attend the summit. However, this will depend on the domestic situation in Russia." He replied: